BYU Football: Score Prediction for BYU vs Washington State

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Oct 16, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Lincoln Victor (85) is stopped short of the goal line by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Jimmy Wyrick (18) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington State Offense vs BYU Defense

Bend don’t break has not worked well for the BYU defense the last couple of weeks. In fact, one could argue that it hasn’t really worked since the Arizona State game. Overall, the Cougars rank 123rd in the nation in third down conversions allowed (45) and 96th in third down conversion defense (42.5%).

Wash St on the other hand ranks 75th in both third down downs converted and percentage (39%). One of those two is going to break and have a huge game. Either the BYU Cougars are going to step up their game and allow less than 30% or Wazzu is going to have their best game of the year and convert near 50%.

The good news for BYU is that most of their defensive struggles have come by allowing big runs on first down. Washington State is not a good rushing team averaging only 3.68 yards per carry, good for 106th in the nation. If Washington State plays how they normally do, the running game won’t be too big of an issue.

The Wazzu Cougars do enjoy passing the ball ranking 43rd in the nation with 263 yards passing per game. BYU ranks 87th in passing yards allowed per game which makes this an interesting matchup, although the Cougars have faced a few pass first teams which can skew those numbers slightly.

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